change time MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2006 Owners Manual

TEST ACTION APPLICABILITY
6 Turn the ignition off.
Install a substitute Crankcase Vent Heater in place of the vehicle's existing
Crankcase Vent Heater.
NOTE: Ensure the ECM and Crankcase Vent Heater harness connectors are
connected.
With the engine cold, start and idle the engine.
With the DRB, check for this DTC to set again.
Did this DTC set again?All
Ye s!Replace and program the Engine Control Module in accordance
with the Service Information.
Perform ROAD TEST VERIFICATION - VER-2.
No!Replace the initial Crankcase Vent Heater.
Perform ROAD TEST VERIFICATION - VER-2.
7WARNING: WHEN THE ENGINE IS OPERATING, DO NOT STAND IN A
DIRECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR HANDS NEAR THE
PULLEYS, BELTS OR FAN. DO NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
NOTE: The conditions that set the DTC are not present at this time.The
following list may help in identifying the intermittent condition.
With the engine running at normal operating temperature, monitor the DRB
parameters related to the DTC while wiggling the wiring harness. Look for param-
eter values to change and/or a DTC to set.
Review the DTC When Monitored and Set Conditions. If possible, try to duplicate the
conditions under which the DTC was set.
Refer to any Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) that may apply.
Visually inspect the related wiring harness. Look for any chafed, pierced, pinched, or
partially broken wires.
Visually inspect the related wiring harness connectors. Look for broken, bent, pushed
out, or corroded terminals.
Were any of the above conditions present?All
Ye s!Repair as necessary.
Perform ROAD TEST VERIFICATION - VER-2.
No!Test Complete.
223
DRIVEABILITY - DIESEL
P2514-CRANKCASE VENT HEATER OPEN CIRCUIT ÐContinued

TEST ACTION APPLICABILITY
4NOTE: If DTC P1611 or P2306 is present with this DTC, diagnose DTCs P1611
and P2306 before diagnosing this DTC.
Turn the ignition off.
Disconnect the EGR Valve harness connector.
Disconnect the ECM harness connectors.
Remove the Engine Control Relay.
Connect a jumper wire between cavity 30 and cavity 87 of the Engine Control Relay
connector.
Turn the ignition on.
Measure the voltage of the EGR Valve Control circuit.
Is the voltage below 0.5 volt?All
Ye s!Replace and program the Engine Control Module in accordance
with the Service Information.
Perform ROAD TEST VERIFICATION - VER-2.
No!Repair the EGR Valve Control circuit for a short to voltage.
Perform ROAD TEST VERIFICATION - VER-2.
5WARNING: WHEN THE ENGINE IS OPERATING, DO NOT STAND IN A
DIRECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR HANDS NEAR THE
PULLEYS, BELTS OR FAN. DO NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
NOTE: The conditions that set the DTC are not present at this time. The
following list may help in identifying the intermittent condition.
With the engine running at normal operating temperature, monitor the DRB
parameters related to the DTC while wiggling the wiring harness. Look for param-
eter values to change and/or a DTC to set.
Review the DTC When Monitored and Set Conditions. If possible, try to duplicate the
conditions under which the DTC was set.
Refer to any Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) that may apply.
Visually inspect the related wiring harness. Look for any chafed, pierced, pinched, or
partially broken wires.
Visually inspect the related wiring harness connectors. Look for broken, bent, pushed
out, or corroded terminals.
Were any of the above conditions present?All
Ye s!Repair as necessary.
Perform ROAD TEST VERIFICATION - VER-2.
No!Test Complete.
226
DRIVEABILITY - DIESEL
P2527-EGR VALVE SIGNAL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO VOLTAGE ÐContinued

TEST ACTION APPLICABILITY
1NOTE: If the ECM detects and stores a DTC, the ECM also stores the
engine/vehicle operating conditions under which the DTC was set. Some of
these conditions are displayed on the DRB at the same time the DTC is
displayed.
NOTE: Before erasing stored DTCs, record these conditions. Attempting to
duplicate these conditions may assist when checking for an active DTC.
NOTE: This DTC indicates an internal ECM problem except in the case of
DTC P0606 where it may indicate a fuel injector problem. Using the Service
Information, check the fuel injectors for leakage before replacing the ECM.
Turn the ignition on.
With the DRBIIIt, erase ECM DTCs.
Perform several engine run cycles, turning the ignition off for at least 20 seconds
between each engine run cycle.
With the DRBIIIt, read the ECM DTCs.
Did this DTC set again?All
Ye s!Replace the Fuel Injector identified in the DTC in accordance
with the Service Information.
Perform ROAD TEST VERIFICATION - VER-2.
No!Go To 2
2WARNING: WHEN THE ENGINE IS OPERATING, DO NOT STAND IN A
DIRECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR HANDS NEAR THE
PULLEYS, BELTS OR FAN. DO NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
NOTE: The conditions that set the DTC are not present at this time. The
following list may help in identifying the intermittent condition.
With the engine running at normal operating temperature, monitor the DRB
parameters related to the DTC while wiggling the wiring harness. Look for param-
eter values to change and/or a DTC to set.
Review the DTC When Monitored and Set Conditions. If possible, try to duplicate the
conditions under which the DTC was set.
Refer to any Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) that may apply.
Visually inspect the related wiring harness. Look for any chafed, pierced, pinched, or
partially broken wires.
Visually inspect the related wiring harness connectors. Look for broken, bent, pushed
out, or corroded terminals.
Were any of the above conditions present?All
Ye s!Repair as necessary.
Perform ROAD TEST VERIFICATION - VER-2.
No!Test Complete.
228
DRIVEABILITY - DIESEL
P2531-FUEL INJECTOR 1 READ TOO LARGE ÐContinued

TEST ACTION APPLICABILITY
8WARNING: WHEN THE ENGINE IS OPERATING, DO NOT STAND IN A
DIRECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR HANDS NEAR THE
PULLEYS, BELTS OR FAN. DO NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
NOTE: The conditions that set the DTC are not present at this time. The
following list may help in identifying the intermittent condition.
With the engine running at normal operating temperature, monitor the DRB
parameters related to the DTC while wiggling the wiring harness. Look for param-
eter values to change and/or a DTC to set.
Review the DTC When Monitored and Set Conditions. If possible, try to duplicate the
conditions under which the DTC was set.
Refer to any Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) that may apply.
Visually inspect the related wiring harness. Look for any chafed, pierced, pinched, or
partially broken wires.
Visually inspect the related wiring harness connectors. Look for broken, bent, pushed
out, or corroded terminals.
Were any of the above conditions present?All
Ye s!Repair as necessary.
Perform ROAD TEST VERIFICATION - VER-2.
No!Test Complete.
231
DRIVEABILITY - DIESEL
P2606-CMP/CKP SYNCHRONIZATION ERROR ÐContinued

(3) During road test, make normal and firm brake
stops in 25-40 mph range. Note faulty brake opera-
tion such as low pedal, hard pedal, fade, pedal pulsa-
tion, pull, grab, drag, noise, etc.
(4) Attempt to stop the vehicle with the parking
brake only and note grab, drag, noise, etc.
PEDAL FALLS AWAY
A brake pedal that falls away under steady foot
pressure is generally the result of a system leak. The
leak point could be at a brake line, fitting, hose, or
caliper/wheel cylinder. If leakage is severe, fluid will
be evident at or around the leaking component.
Internal leakage (seal by-pass) in the master cylin-
der caused by worn or damaged piston cups, may
also be the problem cause.
An internal leak in the ABS or RWAL system may
also be the problem with no physical evidence.
LOW PEDAL
If a low pedal is experienced, pump the pedal sev-
eral times. If the pedal comes back up worn linings,
rotors, drums, or rear brakes out of adjustment are
the most likely causes. The proper course of action is
to inspect and replace all worn component and make
the proper adjustments.
SPONGY PEDAL
A spongy pedal is most often caused by air in the
system. However, thin brake drums or substandard
brake lines and hoses can also cause a spongy pedal.
The proper course of action is to bleed the system,
and replace thin drums and substandard quality
brake hoses if suspected.
HARD PEDAL OR HIGH PEDAL EFFORT
A hard pedal or high pedal effort may be due to
lining that is water soaked, contaminated, glazed, or
badly worn. The power booster or check valve could
also be faulty.
PEDAL PULSATION
Pedal pulsation is caused by components that are
loose, or beyond tolerance limits.
The primary cause of pulsation are disc brake
rotors with excessive lateral runout or thickness vari-
ation, or out of round brake drums. Other causes are
loose wheel bearings or calipers and worn, damaged
tires.
NOTE: Some pedal pulsation may be felt during
ABS activation.
BRAKE DRAG
Brake drag occurs when the lining is in constant
contact with the rotor or drum. Drag can occur at one
wheel, all wheels, fronts only, or rears only.Drag is a product of incomplete brake shoe release.
Drag can be minor or severe enough to overheat the
linings, rotors and drums.
Minor drag will usually cause slight surface char-
ring of the lining. It can also generate hard spots in
rotors and drums from the overheat-cool down pro-
cess. In most cases, the rotors, drums, wheels and
tires are quite warm to the touch after the vehicle is
stopped.
Severe drag can char the brake lining all the way
through. It can also distort and score rotors and
drums to the point of replacement. The wheels, tires
and brake components will be extremely hot. In
severe cases, the lining may generate smoke as it
chars from overheating.
Common causes of brake drag are:
²Seized or improperly adjusted parking brake
cables.
²Loose/worn wheel bearing.
²Seized caliper or wheel cylinder piston.
²Caliper binding on corroded bushings or rusted
slide surfaces.
²Loose caliper mounting.
²Drum brake shoes binding on worn/damaged
support plates.
²Mis-assembled components.
²Long booster output rod.
If brake drag occurs at all wheels, the problem
may be related to a blocked master cylinder return
port, or faulty power booster (binds-does not release).
BRAKE FADE
Brake fade is usually a product of overheating
caused by brake drag. However, brake overheating
and resulting fade can also be caused by riding the
brake pedal, making repeated high deceleration stops
in a short time span, or constant braking on steep
mountain roads. Refer to the Brake Drag information
in this section for causes.
BRAKE PULL
Front brake pull condition could result from:
²Contaminated lining in one caliper
²Seized caliper piston
²Binding caliper
²Loose caliper
²Rusty caliper slide surfaces
²Improper brake pads
²Damaged rotor
A worn, damaged wheel bearing or suspension
component are further causes of pull. A damaged
front tire (bruised, ply separation) can also cause
pull.
A common and frequently misdiagnosed pull condi-
tion is where direction of pull changes after a few
stops. The cause is a combination of brake drag fol-
lowed by fade at one of the brake units.
VABRAKES - BASE 5 - 3

As the dragging brake overheats, efficiency is so
reduced that fade occurs. Since the opposite brake
unit is still functioning normally, its braking effect is
magnified. This causes pull to switch direction in
favor of the normally functioning brake unit.
An additional point when diagnosing a change in
pull condition concerns brake cool down. Remember
that pull will return to the original direction, if the
dragging brake unit is allowed to cool down (and is
not seriously damaged).
REAR BRAKE GRAB OR PULL
Rear grab or pull is usually caused by improperly
adjusted or seized parking brake cables, contami-
nated lining, bent or binding shoes and support
plates, or improperly assembled components. This is
particularly true when only one rear wheel is
involved. However, when both rear wheels are
affected, the master cylinder or proportioning valve
could be at fault.
BRAKES DO NOT HOLD AFTER DRIVING THROUGH DEEP
WATER PUDDLES
This condition is generally caused by water soaked
lining. If the lining is only wet, it can be dried by
driving with the brakes very lightly applied for a
mile or two. However, if the lining is both soaked and
dirt contaminated, cleaning and/or replacement will
be necessary.
BRAKE LINING CONTAMINATION
Brake lining contamination is mostly a product of
leaking calipers or worn seals, driving through deep
water puddles, or lining that has become covered
with grease and grit during repair. Contaminated lin-
ing should be replaced to avoid further brake prob-
lems.
WHEEL AND TIRE PROBLEMS
Some conditions attributed to brake components
may actually be caused by a wheel or tire problem.
A damaged wheel can cause shudder, vibration and
pull. A worn or damaged tire can also cause pull.
Severely worn tires with very little tread left can
produce a grab-like condition as the tire loses and
recovers traction. Flat-spotted tires can cause vibra-
tion and generate shudder during brake operation. A
tire with internal damage such as a severe bruise,
cut, or ply separation can cause pull and vibration.
BRAKE NOISES
Some brake noise is common with rear drum
brakes and on some disc brakes during the first few
stops after a vehicle has been parked overnight or
stored. This is primarily due to the formation of trace
corrosion (light rust) on metal surfaces. This light
corrosion is typically cleared from the metal surfacesafter a few brake applications causing the noise to
subside.
BRAKE SQUEAK / SQUEAL
Brake squeak or squeal may be due to linings that
are wet or contaminated with brake fluid, grease, or
oil. Glazed linings and rotors with hard spots can
also contribute to squeak. Dirt and foreign material
embedded in the brake lining will also cause squeak/
squeal.
A very loud squeak or squeal is frequently a sign of
severely worn brake lining. If the lining has worn
through to the brake pads in spots, metal-to-metal
contact occurs. If the condition is allowed to continue,
rotors can become so scored that replacement is nec-
essary.
BRAKE CHATTER
Brake chatter is usually caused by loose or worn
components, or glazed/burnt lining. Rotors with hard
spots can also contribute to chatter. Additional causes
of chatter are out-of-tolerance rotors, brake lining not
securely attached to the shoes, loose wheel bearings
and contaminated brake lining.
THUMP / CLUNK NOISE
Thumping or clunk noises during braking are fre-
quentlynotcaused by brake components. In many
cases, such noises are caused by loose or damaged
steering, suspension, or engine components. However,
calipers that bind on the slide surfaces can generate
a thump or clunk noise.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MANUAL BLEEDING
Use approved brake fluid (Refer to LUBRICATION
& MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES - DESCRIP-
TION). Use fresh, clean fluid from a sealed container
at all times.
(1) Remove reservoir filler caps and fill reservoir.
(2) If calipers, or wheel cylinders were overhauled,
open all caliper and wheel cylinder bleed screws.
Then close each bleed screw as fluid starts to drip
from it. Top off master cylinder reservoir once more
before proceeding.
(3) Attach one end of bleed hose to bleed screw
and insert opposite end in glass container partially
filled with brake fluid (Fig. 1). Be sure end of bleed
hose is immersed in fluid.
5 - 4 BRAKES - BASEVA

²Position of selector lever.
²Selected shift range.
²CAN signals.
²Engine Status.
Engine speed limits may be reached in all gears
with full throttle or in kick-down operation. In for-
ward driving, the shift range of the forward gears
can be adjusted by the operator by tipping the selec-
tor lever to the left or right (AutoStick). However, the
TCM features a downshift inhibitor to prevent the
engine from overspeeding.
OPERATION
The transmission control module (TCM) deter-
mines the current operating conditions of the vehicle
and controls the shifting process for shift comfort and
driving situations. It receives this operating data
from sensors and broadcast messages from other
modules.
The TCM uses inputs from several sensors that are
directly hardwired to the controller and it uses sev-
eral indirect inputs that are used to control shifts.
This information is used to actuate the proper sole-
noids in the valve body to achieve the desired gear.
The shift lever assembly (SLA) has several items
that are monitored by the TCM to calculate shift
lever position. The reverse light switch, an integral
part of the SLA, controls the reverse light relay con-
trol circuit. The Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
(BTSI) solenoid and the park lockout solenoid (also
part of the SLA) are controlled by the TCM.
The ECM and ABS broadcast messages over the
controller area network (CAN C) bus for use by the
TCM. The TCM uses this information, with other
inputs, to determine the transmission operating con-
ditions.
The TCM:
²determines the momentary operating conditions
of the vehicle.
²controls all shift processes.
²considers shift comfort and the driving situation.
The TCM controls the solenoid valves for modulat-
ing shift pressures and gear changes. Relative to the
torque being transmitted, the required pressures are
calculated from load conditions, engine rpm, vehicle
speed, and ATF temperature.
The following functions are contained in the TCM:
²Shift Program
²Downshift Safety
²Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch.
²Adaptation.
This transmission does not have a TCM relay.
Power is supplied to the SLA and the TCM directly
from the ignition.
The TCM continuously checks for electrical prob-
lems, mechanical problems, and some hydraulic prob-
lems. When a problem is sensed, the TCM stores a
diagnostic trouble code (DTC). Some of these codescause the transmission to go into ªLimp-Inº or
ªdefaultº mode. Some DTCs cause permanent
Limp-In and others cause temporary Limp-In. The
NAG1 defaults in the current gear position if a DTC
is detected, then after a key cycle the transmission
will go into Limp-in, which is mechanical 2nd gear.
Some DTCs may allow the transmission to resume
normal operation (recover) if the detected problem
goes away. A permanent Limp-In DTC will recover
when the key is cycled, but if the same DTC is
detected for three key cycles the system will not
recover and the DTC must be cleared from the TCM
with the DRBIIItscan tool.
TCM SIGNALS
The TCM registers one part of the input signals by
direct inputs, the other part by CAN C bus. In addi-
tion to the direct control of the actuators, the TCM
sends various output signals by CAN C bus to other
control modules.
Selector Lever Position
The TCM monitors the SLA for all shift lever posi-
tions via the CAN bus.
ATF Temperature Sensor
The ATF temperature sensor is a positive temper-
ature co-efficient (PTC) thermistor. It measures the
temperature of the transmission fluid and is a direct
input signal for the TCM. The temperature of the
ATF has an influence on the shifttime and resulting
shift quality. As the temperature rises, resistance
rises, and therefore, the probing voltage is decreas-
ing. Because of its registration, the shifting process
can be optimized in all temperature ranges.
The ATF temperature sensor is wired in series
with the park/neutral contact. The temperature sig-
nal is transmitted to the TCM only when the reed
contact of the park/neutral contact is closed because
the TCM only reads ATF temperature while in any
forward gear, or REVERSE. When the transmission
is in PARK or NEUTRAL, the TCM will substitute
the engine temperature for the ATF temperature.
Starter Interlock
The TCM monitors a contact switch wired in series
with the transmission temperature sensor to deter-
mine PARK and NEUTRAL positions. The contact
switch is open in PARK and NEUTRAL. The TCM
senses transmission temperature as high (switch
supply voltage), confirming switch status as open.
The TCM then broadcasts a message over CAN bus
to confirm switch status. The PCM receives this
information and allows operation of the starter cir-
cuit.
VAELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 7

N2 and N3 Speed Sensors
The N2 and N3 Input Speed Sensors are two Hall-
effect speed sensors that are mounted internally in
the transmission and are used by the TCM to calcu-
late the transmission's input speed. Since the input
speed cannot be measured directly, two of the drive
elements are measured. Two input speed sensors
were required because both drive elements are not
active in all gears.
CAN C Bus Indirect Input Signals
A 2.5-volt bias (operating voltage) is present on the
CAN C bus any time the ignition switch is in the
RUN position. Both the TCM and the ABS apply this
bias. On this vehicle, the CAN C bus is used for mod-
ule data exchange only. The indirect inputs used on
the NAG1 electronic control system are:
²Wheel Speed Sensors.
²Brake Switch.
²Engine RPM.
²Engine Temperature.
²Cruise Control Status.
²Gear Limit Request.
²Throttle Position - 0% at idle, 100% at WOT. If
open, TCM assumes idle (0% throttle opening).
²Odometer Mileage
²Maximum Effective Torque.
²Engine in Limp-In Mode/Mileage Where DTC
Was Set.
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK (BTSI)
The BTSI solenoid prevents shifting out of the
PARK position until the ignition key is in the RUN
position and the brake pedal is pressed. The TCM
controls the ground while the ignition switch supplies
power to the BTSI solenoid. The PCM monitors the
brake switch and broadcasts brake switch status
messages over the CAN C bus. If the park brake is
depressed and there is power (Run/Start) to SLA, the
BTSI solenoid deactivates.
SHIFT SCHEDULES
The basic shift schedule includes up and down-
shifts for all five gears. The TCM adapts the shift
program according to driving style, accelerator pedal
position and deviation of vehicle speed. Influencing
factors are:
²Road Conditions.
²Incline, Decline and Altitude.
²Trailer Operation, Loading.
²Engine Coolant Temperature.
²Cruise Control Operation.
²Sporty Driving Style.
²Low and High ATF Temperature.
Upshift
To :1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5
Activat-
ed By
Sole-
noid:1-2/4-5 2-3 3-4 1-2/4-5
Shift
Point
(at
35.2%
of throt-
tle)17.8
km/h
(11.6
mph)32.1
km/h
(19.95
mph)67.5
km/h
(41.94
mph)73.8
km/h
(45.86
mph)
Down-
shift
From:5-4 4-3 3-2 2-1
Activat-
ed By
Sole-
noid:1-2/4-5 3-4 2-3 1-2/4-5
Shift
Point55.7
km/h
(34.61
mph)40.5
km/h
(25.17
mph)24.4
km/h
(15.16
mph)15.1
km/h
(9.38
mph)
DOWNSHIFT SAFETY
Selector lever downshifts are not performed if inad-
missible high engine rpm is sensed.
ADAPTATION
To equalize tolerances and wear, an automatic
adaptation takes place for:
²Shift Time.
²Clutch Filling Time.
²Clutch Filling Pressure.
²Torque Converter Lock-Up Control.
Adaptation data may be stored permanently and to
some extent, can be diagnosed.
Driving Style Adaptation
The shift point is modified in steps based on the
information from the inputs. The control module
looks at inputs such as:
²vehicle acceleration and deceleration (calculated
by the TCM).
²rate of change as well as the position of the
throttle pedal (fuel injection information from the
ECM).
²lateral acceleration (calculated by the TCM).
²gear change frequency (how often the shift
occurs).
Based on how aggressive the driver is, the TCM
moves up the shift so that the present gear is held a
8E - 8 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESVA

plate). Insulators or plate separators made of a non-
conductive material are inserted between the positive
and negative plates to prevent them from contacting
or shorting against one another. These dissimilar
metal plates are submerged in a sulfuric acid and
water solution called an electrolyte.
The factory-installed low-maintenance bat-
tery has removable battery cell caps.Water can
be added to this battery. The chemical composition of
the metal coated plates within the low-maintenance
battery reduces battery gassing and water loss, at
normal charge and discharge rates. Therefore, the
battery should not require additional water in nor-
mal service. Rapid loss of electrolyte can be caused
by an overcharging condition. Be certain to diagnose
the charging system before returning the vehicle to
service.
OPERATION
The battery is designed to store electrical energy in
a chemical form. When an electrical load is applied to
the terminals of the battery, an electrochemical reac-
tion occurs. This reaction causes the battery to dis-
charge electrical current from its terminals. As the
battery discharges, a gradual chemical change takes
place within each cell. The sulfuric acid in the elec-
trolyte combines with the plate materials, causing
both plates to slowly change to lead sulfate. At the
same time, oxygen from the positive plate material
combines with hydrogen from the sulfuric acid, caus-
ing the electrolyte to become mainly water. The
chemical changes within the battery are caused by
the movement of excess or free electrons between the
positive and negative plate groups. This movement of
electrons produces a flow of electrical current
through the load device attached to the battery ter-
minals.
As the plate materials become more similar chem-
ically, and the electrolyte becomes less acid, the volt-
age potential of each cell is reduced. However, by
charging the battery with a voltage higher than that
of the battery itself, the battery discharging process
is reversed. Charging the battery gradually changes
the sulfated lead plates back into sponge lead and
lead dioxide, and the water back into sulfuric acid.
This action restores the difference in the electron
charges deposited on the plates, and the voltage
potential of the battery cells. For a battery to remain
useful, it must be able to produce high-amperage cur-
rent over an extended period. A battery must also be
able to accept a charge, so that its voltage potential
may be restored.
The battery is vented to release excess hydrogen
gas that is created when the battery is being charged
or discharged. However, even with these vents,
hydrogen gas can collect in or around the battery. If
hydrogen gas is exposed to flame or sparks, it may
ignite. If the electrolyte level is low, the battery mayarc internally and explode. If the battery is equipped
with removable cell caps, add distilled water when-
ever the electrolyte level is below the top of the
plates. If the battery cell caps cannot be removed, the
battery must be replaced if the electrolyte level
becomes low.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY
The battery must be completely charged and the
terminals should be properly cleaned and inspected
before diagnostic procedures are performed. Refer to
Battery System Cleaning for the proper cleaning pro-
cedures, and Battery System Inspection for the
proper battery inspection procedures. Refer to Stan-
dard Procedures for the proper battery charging pro-
cedures.
MICRO 420 BATTERY TESTER
The Micro 420 automotive battery tester is
designed to help the dealership technicians diagnose
the cause of a defective battery. Follow the instruc-
tion manual supplied with the tester to properly
diagnose a vehicle. If the instruction manual is not
available refer to the standard procedure in this sec-
tion, which includes the directions for using the
Micro 420 battery tester.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF
FREEZING, LEAKING OR LOOSE POSTS, DO NOT
TEST, ASSIST-BOOST, OR CHARGE. THE BATTERY
MAY ARC INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS FORMS IN
AND AROUND THE BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE,
USE FLAME, OR CREATE SPARKS NEAR THE BAT-
TERY. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: THE BATTERY CONTAINS SULFURIC
ACID, WHICH IS POISONOUS AND CAUSTIC. AVOID
CONTACT WITH THE SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING.
IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER
AND CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT
OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
A battery that will not accept a charge is faulty,
and must be replaced. Further testing is not
required. A fully-charged battery must be tested to
determine its cranking capacity. A battery that is ful-
ly-charged, but does not pass the Micro 420 or load
test, is faulty and must be replaced.
NOTE: Completely discharged batteries may take
several hours to accept a charge. Refer to Standard
Procedures for the proper battery charging proce-
dures.
VABATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 7

IGNITION CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
IGNITION CONTROL
OPERATION - GLOW PLUG................1
SPECIAL TOOLS........................1
GLOW PLUG
REMOVAL.............................1
INSTALLATION..........................1GLOW PLUG RELAY
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - GLOW PLUG
RELAYS..............................2
IGNITION CONTROL
OPERATION - GLOW PLUG
Pre - Glowing
With the key in the On position, the glow plug out-
put stage and the indicator lamp are actuated by the
ECM. The pre-heating time is calculated by the ECM
in line with the coolant temperature. The glow plug
output stage switches the current through the glow
plugs. The glow plug indicator lamp goes out after a
pre-glow period has elapsed. Component or cable fail-
ures in the pre-glow system are indicated by the glow
plug lamp and stored in the ECM.
Glow Output Stage
With the ignition key in the On position a signal is
transmitted from the ECM to the glow plug output
stager. If no data is exchanged with the ECM the
glow plug stage is terminated after two seconds. The
glow plug out put stage constantly signals the cur-
rent operating state (ON/OFF) and any system
faults. The following faults are recognized by the out
put stage and transmitted to the ECM:
²Open circuit in one or more of the glow plug
leads
²Short circuit in the glow plug circuit
²Out put stage fault or temperature related shut-
off
If a failure in the glow plug system occurs, the
glow plug indicator lamp will be illuminated only as
long as the fault is current. If the failure is no longer
present, the glow plug indicator lamp will be
switched off but a code will be stored in the ECM.
After Glow
Once the engine has started, the ECM determines
the after glow time depending on cooling tempera-
ture. During this time the glow plugs continue to be
actuated by the glow plug output stage. This results
in improved smooth running after a cold start and
improved warming up properties, elimination of blueexhaust after a cold start up and a more stable cold
starting speed.
If no signal is received from the coolant tempera-
ture sensor the signal from the oil sensor is used as a
substitute.
SPECIAL TOOLS
GLOW PLUG
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Remove the engine cover.
(3) Use special tool #9286 pliers to unplug the
glow plug wiring harness connector(s) at the glow
plug.
(4) Remove the glow plug(s) (Fig. 1).
INSTALLATION
(1) Screw glow plug(s) into cylinder head and
tighten to 12 N´m (115 lbs. in) (Fig. 1).
(2) Connect the glow plug wiring harness connec-
tor(s)
(3) Install the engine cover.
(4) Connect negative battery cable.
GLOW PLUG RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The glow plug relay supplies battery voltage to the
glow plug through a timed cycle that is related to
coolant temperature. The glow plug relay is located
under the battery. The purpose of a glow plug system
GLOW PLUG PLIERS
VAIGNITION CONTROL 8I - 1